Interpersonal trust and voluntary associations: examining three approaches

Abstract

The relationship between interpersonal trust and membership in voluntary associations is a persistent research finding in sociology. What is more, the notion of trust has become a central issue in current social science theorizing covering such diverse approaches as transaction costs economics or cognitive sociology. In different ways and for different purposes, these approaches address the role of voluntary organizations, although, as this paper argues, much of this thinking remains sketchy and underdeveloped. Against an empirical portrait of this relationship, the purpose of this paper is to assess such theorizing. We first set out to explicate major approaches to trust in economics, sociology and political science, using the non-profit or voluntary organization as a focal point. We then examine the various approaches in terms of their strengths and weaknesses, and, finally, identify key areas for theoretical development. In particular, we point to the social movement literature, the social psychology of trust, and recent thinking about civil society.

Perceptions, Preferences, and Acceptance of Information and Communication Technologies in Older-Adult Community Care Settings in Ireland: A Case-Study and Ranked-Care Program Analysis

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Toward Better Understanding for the So Called ''A Fourth Paradigm'' in the Arab World: A Multiple Case Study on the Telecoms Sector in Jordan

“…Bonding social capital is viewed as localized and found between people who live in the same or neighboring communities, and bridging social capital, refers to individuals and organizations that are more distant Wallis (1998) and Wallis and Crocker et al (1998). According to Anheier and Kendall bridging social capital is connected to 'thin trust', as opposed to the bonding (splitting) social capital of 'thick trust' (Anheier and Kendall, 2002). Social capital has also been seen as having structural and cognitive manifestations of social capital (Uphoff and Wijayaratna, 2000).…”

‘Distinction’ in the third sector

“…Hansmann (1980) suggests that third sector organisations are distinctive because they are likely to be more trusted than other types of organisation, particularly in services characterised by significant information asymmetries and power imbalances between providers and users. This difference (and therefore distinctiveness) arises from the structure and form of non-profit activities, and in particular the constraint on surplus distribution (Anheier and Kendall 2002). Other theories consider the distinctive motivations and values of people involved in establishing and developing third sector activities.…”